People who are reluctant about following instructions regarding the proper use of contact lens are on the other way increasing the risk of even blindness.

Improper way of using contact lens can generate serious eye infections and that can lead to blindness.

Modern contact lenses fall into two categories: soft lenses that are made from water-containing plastics, and GP or "oxygen permeable" rigid contact lenses.

Contact lenses may also be classified by wearing schedule. Daily wear contacts must be removed, cleaned and stored each night, while extended wear contact lenses are made from materials which are safe for sleep. You may also have heard of "continuous wear" contact lenses, a type of extended wear lens that can be worn for up to 30 days.

Various contact lens designs are available for different vision problems. Spherical contact lenses correct nearsightedness or farsightedness and are indicated by a minus or plus in your prescription, respectively. Bifocal contact lenses are similar to multifocal eyeglasses in that they use different optical zones to correct presbyopia (the decreased ability see at both near and far distances). Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism, which can accompany either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

FDA requests to follow these short and simple guidelines for good contact lens care to extend the life of your contact lenses, and protect the safety and health of your eyes.

* Do not top off or reuse lens cleaning solution;

* Use a contact lens solution to clean, rinse, and then air dry contact lens cases after each use;

* Do not expose contact lenses or lens storage cases to any type of water or other non-sterile solutions.

FDA has developed a new video on contact lens safety, which can be found on the FDA's Web site, along with an in-depth Consumer Update article, to support proper cleaning and storage of contact lens.

The video and the article stress the importance of emptying the solution out of the contact lens case after each use and using the rub-and-rinse method for added effectiveness.

May 13th, 2009 Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., has launched , a new eye care program specially designed to help contact lens wearers. Through VISTAKON(R), a Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., the company has launched ACUVUE(R) DIRECT(TM), a special program that help enable contact lense warer experience the most convenient and affordable way to purchase an annual supply of ACUVUE(R) Brand Contact Lenses.

May 1st, 2006 Optician has lifted the lid on how well the new contact lens regulations (which were introduced by the GOC) are working,. Optician’s team looked at how stringently the measures to ensure patient safety are being applied after the new laws were ushered in.

June 25th, 2008 At the US Food and Drug Administration meeting in Washington last week, the eye experts have recommended some improved contact lens product testing. They also advocated universal lens-care guidelines to improve contact lens safety.

August 26th, 2008 We often listen to the people saying that they prefer to use contact lens than spectacles. But no one talks or hardly some people know about the disadvantages of ill use of contact lens.

July 13th, 2008 US researchers in the University of California, have claimed to develop a contact lens with the help of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that claims to monitor conditions such as glaucoma. Researchers added a chemical to a liquid PDMS solution that causes the mixture to set, or polymerise, when zapped with UV light.

June 20th, 2008 The FDA panel of experts have decided to have a closer look at contact lens safety after watching a sharp rise in a potentially blinding eye infection involving people who wear contact lenses. Take the instance of Kim Tobin who never sees things in quite the same way again.

September 23rd, 2008 As response to the growing effect of eye injuries in the workplace, the B.C. Association of Optometrists has urged the companies to take necessary eye care of the employees in the work place.

One Response to “Contact lens safety; a FDA reminder for public”

I recently had a customer come in for an eye exam, whom had never worn contact lenses. This guy was one-of-a-kind! Not only did he order the lenses, but read every piece of literature and challenged my staff on what they do and don’t tell patients.

It was a huge lessen in following the recommended use and wear of contact lenses. Even my staff admitted to taking their own contacts for granted!!

Following the use and care guidelines will not only ensure eye health and safety, but also the longevity of your lenses.